Simple Swaps for Greener Hotels & Guesthouses

St Ives, Matt Johnson

England has tens of thousands of hotels, guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts. Whether you run a tiny guesthouse or a big corporate hotel, there are many simple affordable swaps that you can make. These ideas will also save money (download this pdf file: 25 tips for reducing plastic for hotels.

Also read about plant-based hotels and artisan vegan beers and wines. 

Save Energy and Water Bills

• Use this free carbon calculator, to drastically reduce your bills. Older listed buildings can order affordable double-glazing and draughtproofing from Mitchell & Dickinson.
• Hotels can often have rooms that go empty for a long time (especially off-season). So be sure to check that heating and lighting is turned off, and also switch TVs etc off stand-by when not in use.
• Choose low-flow showerheads and cistern water savers.
• Install solar panels and green energy.
• Use rainwater harvesting and water butts.
• For small hotels, it may be more economical to swap laundry deliveries for an industrial energy-efficient washer/dryer to launder linen and towels (choose unscented eco laundry powder).

Choose Eco-Friendly Guest Soaps (no palm oil)

All hotels offer guest soaps. So switch to better options that don’t harm the planet or endangered species. Friendly Mini Soaps (Northumberland) are all vegan and free from palm oil (made with coconut and rapeseed oil), sold in packs of 24 or 126 (aloe vera unscented is full size only).

Other Swaps for Greener Hotels & Guesthouses)

• Compost food waste (bin citrus/tomato/rhubarb scraps and alliums (onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, chives) as acids could harm compost creatures. Same with coffee/tea grounds (use a sink protector mat, to avoid clogged drains).
• Delphis Eco offers commercial cleaners (choose unscented due to guests who are pregnant/nursing, allergic or have dogs).
• Print public transport information on your website and literature, to discourage people from always using their cars.
• Use biodegradable bin bags and eco toilet brush alternatives.
• Swap tot a phone company that uses profits to help wildlife.
• Read up on pet-friendly gardens and wildlife-friendly gardens. Avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens, to stop birds flying into windows.

Save the Planet, Save Your Hotel Money!

• Sell unsold food at reduced prices through Too Good to Go. These ‘surprise bags’ earn some hoteliers up to £80,000 extra per year.
• Replace plastic bottled water with mains-fed water coolers.
• Decant things like ketchup into small glass bowls (or just put bottles on tables) to avoid plastic sachets. Same with toiletries (just decant eco-friendly brands into dispensers).
• Earn up to £5,000 a year by renting out unused parking spaces with JustPark app). Also let locals use electric charging stations.